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Arsenal Transfer Suspicion Raised After £48.5million Champions League Windfall Confirmed
Football finance expert predicts Gunners won’t match last summer’s record spending despite massive European cash injection
By Kasra Moradi, Senior Sports Journalist
February 14, 2026 | 4 min read
LONDON — Arsenal’s stunning £48.5million Champions League haul has sparked questions about the club’s summer transfer plans—but fans hoping for another blockbuster window may be disappointed.
The Gunners topped the Champions League league phase, securing £16.1m in participation fees, £14.4m from eight wins, £8.5m for finishing first, and £9.5m for reaching the last 16. That staggering total doesn’t even include potential additional prize money from the knockout rounds.
Yet football finance expert Dan Plumley believes Arsenal are unlikely to repeat last summer’s £250million spending spree—and may even take a more measured approach.
| Summer 2025 Spending | Details |
|---|---|
| Total outlay | ~£250million |
| New permanent signings | 7 |
| Loan arrivals | 1 (Piero Hincapie) |
That unprecedented investment was largely fuelled by the frustration of finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons. It has paid dividends: Arsenal currently sit top of the league, reached the Carabao Cup final, and topped the Champions League table.
Speaking exclusively to football.london, Plumley explained that Arsenal’s current squad strength may reduce the need for major surgery.
“We know clubs spend a lot in the summer because that’s where they can do their best recruitment,” Plumley said.
“For Arsenal, with a fair bit of outlay in the previous summer and obviously if they get over the line with the Premier League title, you perhaps might not see them spend huge amounts this summer.
“They might feel with the squad they’ve already built that they’re capable of repeating the trick and being dominant again.”
The £48.5 Million Question
Arsenal’s Champions League earnings break down as:
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Participation fee | £16.1m |
| League stage wins (8 × £1.8m) | £14.4m |
| Top-of-table bonus | £8.5m |
| Last 16 qualification | £9.5m |
| Total so far | £48.5m |
Deeper runs would add even more. But Plumley cautioned against assuming this cash will trigger a spending spree.
“Those things will enable them to spend more if they want to. But again, I think that’s kind of business as usual for them at the minute.
“They can spend if they want to and they might choose to. But of course for them, it’s about winning that title and probably less about the finances of it.”
Plumley acknowledged that Arsenal’s elite status means they retain financial firepower—but deployment is a choice, not an inevitability.
“You’d never say never with the biggest clubs because they’re the ones that can spend if they want to. I always say it’s more a case of if they want to.
“I would expect Arsenal’s spending to be lower than the previous summer. But if a player is available and the price is willing to be paid, these biggest clubs can almost do what they want in the market.”
A long Champions League campaign provides a significant financial edge over rivals.
“If you’re at the top of the Premier League and you’re going deep into the Champions League, you are talking a significant amount of revenue generation,” Plumley said.
“It just gives you that edge over your rivals as well. Arsenal are in that band of clubs in the European elite that are huge revenue generators anyway, so any more into the pot just helps the cause.”
The Bottom Line
Arsenal’s £48.5m Champions League windfall proves their return to Europe’s elite is paying dividends. But with a squad already built for dominance, this summer may be about surgical additions, not revolution—however much cash sits in the coffers.
Dallas: Shelton Survives Mannarino Marathon to Reach Quarter-Finals
Second seed battles nearly three hours to overcome French veteran in topsy-turvy thriller
By Henry Wancke
February 13, 2026 | 3 min read
DALLAS — Ben Shelton knew his second-round match at the Nexo Dallas Open would be tricky. What he didn’t expect was a near three-hour war of attrition.
The second seed and world No. 9 eventually overcame Adrian Mannarino 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 6-3 after two hours and 40 minutes of absorbing, high-quality tennis—advancing to his 25th career quarter-final.
| Player | Result | Score | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Shelton (2) | Won | 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 6-3 | 2hr 40min |
| Adrian Mannarino | Lost | 6-7(2), 7-6(4), 3-6 |
The 22-year-old American had nothing but praise for his 37-year-old French opponent, who pushed him to the limit with his unorthodox style and relentless consistency.
“Ridiculous tennis,” Shelton said in his on-court interview. “I thought [Adrian] played at an extremely high level. I think he always does against me. We’ve had some crazy matches.”
The pair’s history includes Shelton’s injury-forced retirement during their 2024 US Open encounter—a context that added extra weight to this physical battle.
“He does a lot of things that make it very, very difficult. Especially playing him on a low-bouncing indoor court.”
Match Highlights
| Key Moment | Description |
|---|---|
| First point | 29-shot rally won by Mannarino |
| First-set tiebreak | Shelton dominates 7-2 after grueling opener |
| Second set | Mannarino converts sixth set point to force decider |
| Third set | Shelton pulls away for victory |
Quarter-Final Line-Up Takes Shape
Shelton will face Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanović, who pulled off the day’s biggest upset by eliminating fifth seed Tommy Paul 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
Elsewhere in Dallas
Defending champion Denis Shapovalov swept past Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4, 6-4 in just 66 minutes, not facing a single break point. The Canadian will face third seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Marin Cilic, the former US Open champion who earned his 600th career win earlier this week, downed Ethan Quinn 7-6(4), 6-3 to reach his 123rd tour-level quarter-final.
Cilic’s next opponent is British qualifier Jack Pinnington Jones, who scraped past Eliot Spizzirri 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(4) in a two-hour, 52-minute thriller.
Pinnington Jones, ranked No. 181, is playing in his first ATP quarter-final since turning pro last year after three seasons at Texas Christian University. A win over the big-serving Croat could lift him to a career-high No. 110.
Quarter-Final Match-Ups
| Match | Players |
|---|---|
| QF 1 | Ben Shelton (2) vs Miomir Kecmanović |
| QF 2 | Denis Shapovalov (7) vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (3) |
| QF 3 | Marin Cilic vs Jack Pinnington Jones (Q) |
| QF 4 | [TBD] |
Rotterdam: De Minaur Survives Massive Scare to Keep Title Dream Alive
Australian No. 1 battles past Van de Zandschulp to reach third consecutive semi-final in Rotterdam
By Henry Wancke
February 14, 2026 | 3 min read
ROTTERDAM — Top seed Alex de Minaur is through to the ABN AMRO Open semi-finals, but only after surviving a monumental scare against home favourite Botic van de Zandschulp in a 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-5 quarter-final thriller.
The world No. 8, chasing a third consecutive final appearance in Rotterdam, dug deep into his mental reserves to overcome a Dutchman playing well above his No. 68 ranking.
Match Summary
| Player | Result | Score | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex de Minaur (1) | Won | 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-5 | 2hr 44min |
| Botic van de Zandschulp | Lost | 6-3, 6-7(4), 5-7 |
De Minaur trailed 2-0 in the deciding set before mounting his comeback, saving five of seven break points faced—including three during a crucial service hold at 3-3 in the second set.
“It wasn’t looking too good about three quarters of the way through the match, but I managed to find some of my better tennis today at the end of the second set,” de Minaur said.
“Another great mental effort. I’m happy I got through.”
With this victory, de Minaur becomes just the second player in tournament history to reach three consecutive semi-finals, joining Dutch legend Tom Okker (1974-76).
| Player | Consecutive SF | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Okker | 3 | 1974-1976 |
| Alex de Minaur | 3 | 2024-2026 |
The Australian is now 15-2 on Dutch soil since the start of 2024, a tally that includes the 2024 ‘s-Hertogenbosch title.
Semi-Final Showdown
Awaiting de Minaur in Saturday’s last four is Ugo Humbert, who dispatched Christopher O’Connell 6-4, 6-1 to win his 10th consecutive quarter-final. Humbert’s only break came in the 10th game of the opener, after which he ran away with the match.
Bublik Joins Semi-Final Line-Up
In other quarter-final action:
-
Alexander Bublik defeated Jaume Munar 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-6(3) in 2hr 42min
-
The win marked Bublik’s 200th tour-level victory—a first for Kazakhstan
-
He will face Felix Auger-Aliassime, who beat Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(2), 6-2
“When you play him, you know all the balls will come back,” Bublik said of Munar. “The grand plan was to get winners and shorten the points.”
Auger-Aliassime, last week’s Montpellier champion, extended his winning streak to seven matches.
| Match | Players |
|---|---|
| SF 1 | Alex de Minaur (1) vs Ugo Humbert |
| SF 2 | Alexander Bublik vs Felix Auger-Aliassime (2) |
De Minaur remains on course for a third straight Rotterdam final—but with Humbert, Bublik, and Auger-Aliassime standing in his way, the path won’t get any easier.
Hailey Baptiste Ignites Dubai With Thrilling Battles Despite Qualifying Exit
American’s aggressive style and fan engagement steal spotlight as analysts identify key areas for growth
February 14, 2026 | 3 min read
Hailey Baptiste may have fallen short on the scoreboard at the Dubai Duty Free Championships, but the American’s electrifying performances have made her the talk of the tournament.
The 24-year-old’s qualification-round battle against Rebecca Sramkova on Saturday drew intense global attention, with live commentary streams and fan engagement transforming her 6-3, 7-5 loss into a must-watch tennis event.
Match Summary
| Player | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Hailey Baptiste (USA) | Lost | 3-6, 5-7 |
| Rebecca Sramkova (SVK) | Won | 6-3, 7-5 |
The defeat leveled the head-to-head between Baptiste and Sramkova at 1-1, setting up a compelling future rivalry.
Despite the loss, Baptiste’s aggressive baseline game captivated audiences. When her first serve clicked, she dictated play and pushed Sramkova onto the defensive. Fans flooded live discussion threads with praise for her determination and shot-making.
“Baptiste’s resilience and ability to adapt to varying tactical approaches from her opponents stood out,” one commentator noted during the match.
However, live commentary’s immediacy also magnified Baptiste’s inconsistencies:
| Strength | Area for Improvement |
|---|---|
| Aggressive baseline play | Unforced errors at critical moments |
| High first-serve percentage when on | Intermittent double faults |
| Ability to dictate pace | Short return balls allowing opponents back in |
“Baptiste could benefit from more decisive decision-making during key moments and maintaining consistent depth from the backcourt,” a tactical observer suggested.
The matches showcased how modern tennis coverage has evolved. Spectators didn’t just watch—they participated. Live threads became digital arenas where supporters debated strategy, celebrated winners, and dissected every momentum shift in real time.
This two-way conversation between athletes and audiences is increasingly shaping tournament narratives.
Beyond Dubai, Baptiste’s journey connects to broader conversations among players. Several competitors at the tournament spoke about how the upcoming Winter Olympics and cross-disciplinary artistry could inspire greater creativity on court—a theme that adds depth to Baptiste’s development arc.
What to Watch
For Baptiste, the path forward requires tightening margins:
- Maintaining first-serve percentage during crucial points
- Executing transition play effectively after short balls
- Sustaining intensity through decisive third sets
If she can address these areas, the momentum from Dubai—despite the result—could fuel deeper runs as the season progresses.
Baptiste’s Dubai story stands as a testament to modern tennis: even in defeat, a player can capture imaginations, build fan connections, and lay groundwork for future breakthroughs. With a sharpened focus and an engaged audience watching, the American is poised to make the most of what lies ahead.
Denis Shapovalov Blames Roger Federer for His One-Handed Backhand—And Career Disadvantage
Canadian says he chose the “dying art” because he grew up idolizing the 20-time Grand Slam champion
By Simone Brugnoli & Callum Davies
February 13, 2026 | 3 min read
Denis Shapovalov has pointed an unlikely finger at Roger Federer when explaining why his career never quite reached the heights predicted after his breakthrough win over Rafael Nadal in 2017.
The 26-year-old Canadian, once touted as a future world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion, has only flirted with the top 10, peaking at No. 10 and reaching a solitary Wimbledon semifinal in 2021. Now, speaking at the Dallas Open, he’s offered a candid explanation: his one-handed backhand—a shot he adopted because of Federer—has become a liability in the modern game.
“I Blame Roger Federer”
“In a way, the one-handed backhand represents a strength because it allows you to generate more power, find sharper angles, and be more spectacular,” Shapovalov told reporters.
“But in today’s game, it’s very much heading towards the way of having a solid two-handed backhand. The game is so quick today, it helps to have that extra arm.
“That’s why it’s so much more rare to see guys with one-handed backhands. I blame Roger Federer. I grew up watching him and wanted to play like him. That’s definitely a big reason why I have a one-hander.”
The Federer Effect
Federer’s influence on a generation of players is undeniable. Grigor Dimitrov was famously dubbed “Baby Fed.” Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted he chose the one-hander as a six-year-old watching Federer. Dominic Thiem credited Federer as the reason he stuck with the shot.
But what worked for Federer—arguably the most elegant player in history—hasn’t translated for others. The one-handed backhand requires flawless timing and footwork, and against the modern power game of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, it’s increasingly a target.
| Player | One-Handed BH? | Career Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Roger Federer | Yes | 20 Slams, No. 1 |
| Denis Shapovalov | Yes | No. 10 |
| Stefanos Tsitsipas | Yes | No. 3 |
| Grigor Dimitrov | Yes | No. 3 |
| Dominic Thiem | Yes | No. 3, 1 Slam |
Shapovalov’s comments come as the one-handed backhand becomes increasingly rare. At the 2026 Australian Open, only a handful of players in the top 50 still used it.
Federer himself acknowledged the shot’s challenges in 2025, admitting he spent years trying to fix its inconsistencies.
Shapovalov reached the Dallas Open quarterfinals this week, keeping hopes alive that he can still fulfill some of that early promise. But his candid assessment raises a question: in the era of Alcaraz and Sinner, is there still room for Federer’s signature shot?
For Shapovalov, the answer may determine the rest of his career.